Before reading my post feel free to try my Check-In inspired by Disney Villains!

This week’s EDCI 336 class featured a special presentation from Jeff Hopkins; the principal of The Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry. PSII truly opened my eyes to how some schools are completely revolutionizing the education system and placing the task of assessment into the student’s hands. The mission of PSII is to allow students to self-regulate their learning, what does that look like, well students focus mainly on inquiry projects throughout the year but unlike the teaching I received in high school PSII students are able to control every aspect of their learning journey. Students decide what they work on each day and set their own personal learning goals to make sure they stay on track with their projects.

In this way of teaching, no longer are students overcome with anxiety and stress around testing and assignment deadlines. Instead, students are given the opportunity to build successful time management skills in the sense that they are the ones responsible for mapping out their schedules. I believe that the teaching system PSII has adopted is extremely beneficial especially for students who need time to work at their own pace. This area of education exudes personal growth and gives students an element of independence.

Even though this system carries many advantages I still have some questions and concerns. With this idea of inquiry-based teaching I am wondering how students at an elementary level can be taught the necessary early math and literacy skills needed for beyond the classroom. I also disagree with Jeff when he mentioned how there couldn’t be a mix of inquiry and regular teaching. I’m not sure that our education system is ready for complete transformation but I think if there were some moderate changes and infusions of inquiry, students would respond well. All-in-all Jeff’s words spoke volumes to how as teachers we need to be prepared to make changes in accordance with our students.